What Is CrossFit and Why Should I Do It?

CrossFit is an exercise program based on high-intensity, functional movements which contribute to improving one’s cardiovascular stamina, muscular strength, and agility. CrossFit was developed in the early 2000s and has undergone a dramatic increase in popularity in the years since. CrossFit is one of the only types of conditioning that improves an athlete’s performance in all fitness domains. People who do CrossFit markedly improve their cardiovascular health, endurance, strength, power, speed, flexibility, agility, coordination, accuracy, and balance. It’s no wonder CrossFit is so effective, as it was originally developed with the aim of training police and fireman.

The diversity of exercises allows people on a weight loss journey to push through plateaus and lose weight quickly. One of the many benefits of joining a CrossFit gym is belonging to a community of like-minded individuals who offer mutual support. Living a healthy lifestyle is much easier when you can meet friends who want to hang out at the gym rather than drive through the nearest fast food restaurant. At our gym, our certified CrossFit instructors will help you master the basics no matter what level you’re starting at. Before you know it you’ll be following our “Workout of the Day” with your fellow CrossFitters. Ultimately, CrossFit is a lifestyle choice. If you’re ready to be mentally and physically stronger, healthier, and happier, then this lifestyle is for you.

OUR TEAM:

Ryan Ruth

Ryan Ruth has been a fitness enthusiast since he was a small child and he even majored in kinesiology in college. When CrossFit started to gain popularity, Ryan caught wind of it and instantly knew it was for him. So he began to learn about it and became a Certified CrossFit Trainer in 2006. He continues to learn and apply his science background to make sure he provides the most sound coaching advice in the industry.

Betsy Walton

Betsy Walton is our newest addition to the coaching staff. She earned her CrossFit Certification in 2015 after she fell in love with the sport. Betsy is a mother of twins and she began her CrossFit journey after the birth of her daughters. Little did she know she would quit her job as a dental hygienist to pursue the CrossFit lifestyle full-time!

Steve Troupe

Steve Troupe is our resident powerlifter. He started out his coaching career as a Certified Weightlifting Coach, focusing his time on helping young weightlifters realize their potential. Steve moved into CrossFit when he realized that both the health benefits and the popularity would allow him to help more people increase their mental and physical well-being.

Basic exercise CrossFit:

CrossFit includes three main types of exercises which help to increase overall fitness in every category. A combination of metabolic conditioning, gymnastic exercises, and weightlifting is what makes CrossFit such an effective exercise program for beginners and veterans alike. Here is a bit of information about each of the types of exercises you will learn when you start CrossFitting:

Metabolic Conditioning

Metabolic conditioning refers to exercises that help to increase the storage and delivery of energy. Essentially, these exercises help your entire system to become more responsive to the exercises you do, which results in a high metabolic rate. Metabolic training includes anaerobic movements that are high in intensity but last less than two minutes in duration. Both obstacle courses and kettlebell exercises are examples of metabolic training.

Gymnastics

We offer a specialty Gymnastics Course in the form of a two-day workshop to teach CrossFitters the basic movements involved in this category of CrossFit exercises. CrossFit Gymnastics includes handstands, ring and bar work, muscle-ups, kips, rope climbing, pull-ups, and more. These exercises require intense dedication to learning and practicing specific techniques and they require extreme strength, however, once mastered they are some of the most fun exercises you’ll ever do.

Weightlifting

Weightlifting is the "bread and butter" of CrossFit. This is the aspect of CrossFit that is most popularly known and what people think of when they picture CrossFit. You’ll be learning basic weightlifting postures and techniques, as well as, a variety of Olympic-style exercises. Safety and personal limits will be stressed and respected at all times, but with hard work and dedication, CrossFitters can push themselves to eventually lift more than they ever could have dreamed of. CrossFit weightlifting exercises include snatch, clean and jerk, squats, deadlifts, and overhead press.